Author: Edward Opton

Rhode Island is the most recent state to institute significant policies to reduce excessive prescription of psychotropic medications for foster children. The state’s Department of Children, Youth, and Families, headed by Dr. Janice DeFrances, has not yet posted the new policies, but they can be accessed here. The new regulations direct local child welfare administrators […]

For everyone concerned about over-medication of foster children and youth, the May 29 Congressional hearing, “Are We Overmedicating Children in Foster Care?” chaired by Rep. Dave Reichert (R-WA) provides food for thought and for action. Access the hearing notes: http://docs.house.gov/Committee/Calendar/ByEvent.aspx?EventID=102278 or watch Dawna’s testimony video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1jZC69kjGM Dawna Zender Hovenier, a 21-year-old former foster youth affiliated […]

Child PsychDrugs Action Campaign

The PsychDrugs Action Campaign works collaboratively with former foster youth, their advocates and state agencies to implement better regulation of psychotropic medication for foster children and to develop greater access to alternative supports for healing.